FORMER REPUBLIC of Ireland star Paul McGrath returned to home turf last night but it wasnt for a kick around at his old club St Pat’s.
The ex-Aston Villa and Manchester United player braved the rain to unveil an art installation on the wall of Inchicore Sports Centre, celebrating the culmination of a six-month project by local residents.
Comprising images from over 30 community art and sport workshops held at the centre since March, local artist Mirjam Keune created the 18-metre aluminium frieze unveiled by McGrath as residents and autograph hunters looked on.
“I played across the road at St Pats,” said McGrath before the unveiling.
“My mother is in Crumlin so its only a hop and a skip from here. Im happy to help out any way I can.”
So what was his verdict on Irelands draw with Russia?
Maybe we were a little bit lucky to get away with a draw, but whatever way it came . . . it puts us in a group now that anyone can win.”
And Trapattoni “He has stuck to a certain plan. Most of us thought last night it had come to an end but it seems to be rolling on. Im happy enough with what he has done with Irish football.”
McGrath who lives in Wexford said an album he is bringing out in aid of cystic fibrosis this month was “one way I can keep myself busy and in the limelight maybe for the good reasons rather than the bad.”
Welcoming McGrath, Don Daly, manager of the centre said the collaboration between Dublin City Council and the local VEC, which uses the facilities to offer sports and leisure management courses, was “the first of its kind.”
Aaron James and Nathan Rogers, both aged 10, described the centre where they do art, boxing and football as “deadly.”
Asked if he was excited to be receiving autographed footballs from McGrath, Aaron explained: “Hes Paul McGrath, hes famous. He played for Man United and for Aston Villa I think, and Ireland; he's a bit of a legend.”
